The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for game four of their best-of-seven American League Championship Series on Friday night. The Yankees took an early lead in the series with two consecutive victories at Yankee Stadium before the action moved to Cleveland. The Guardians are now looking to even the series at home.
The pitching duel in game four will showcase hard-throwing righty Luis Gil (15-7, 3.50/0-0, 0.00) for the Yankees against Guardians righty Ben Lively (13-10, 3.81/0-0, 0.00). The first pitch is set for 8:08 pm EST.
Yankees Turn to Gil for Postseason Debut
The New York Yankees effectively utilized their home advantage in the first two games of the series. Stellar performances from their bullpen and Aaron Judge’s powerful return in game two helped them secure a 2-0 lead as they headed back to Cleveland. However, in game three, the Yankees faced a challenging game. After initially leading 1-0, they fell behind 3-1, rallied to a 5-3 lead in the ninth, but eventually let the game slip away in extra innings, losing 7-5.
In game four, the Yankees will hand the ball to Luis Gil for his first postseason appearance. Gil, who finished the regular season with a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA, exceeded expectations for the Yankees. He has not pitched since September 28 against Pittsburgh, making his performance in this critical game uncertain. Gil performed well on the road this season, posting a 9-3 record with a 3.43 ERA and striking out 78 batters in 76 innings. He faced the Guardians once earlier this season, allowing three hits and three runs over three innings, ultimately resulting in a no-decision.
Guardians Rely on Lively to Even the Series
For the Guardians, the first two games in New York did not go as planned. The team struggled with timely hitting and defensive execution, which included a lack of production from key players like Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor. Before game three, the Guardians were struggling with runners in scoring position, hitting just 1-for-11. However, they showcased their resilience in game three, coming back to win with a thrilling finish that featured three two-run home runs, including a crucial shot from David Frye in the 10th inning.
With Alex Cobb sidelined due to back issues, the Guardians will turn to Ben Lively in game four. Lively had a solid season with a 13-10 record and a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts, striking out 118 batters over 151 innings. At home, he was particularly effective with an 8-3 record and a 3.70 ERA in 14 starts. Although he had a brief outing in game two, allowing just one hit in over an inning of work, he will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance in this pivotal game. Lively’s familiarity with the postseason atmosphere will be essential for the Guardians as they aim to tie the series.
Strategic Insights for Yankees vs. Guardians
After the Guardians’ dramatic win in game three, there were whispers about their season’s potential demise. Now, trailing 2-1, they aim to generate momentum and tie the series. The Guardians demonstrated that they could exploit the Yankees’ bullpen in the last game, which could lift their spirits. However, restoring the confidence of their closer, Emmanuel Classe, is also crucial after he allowed a couple of home runs in the postseason. Playing at home may give the Guardians an advantage, especially as they face Gil for the second time this season. With Gil’s recent inactivity, there may be questions about his effectiveness on the mound. Despite being left off the postseason roster initially, Lively has been a reliable option for the Guardians. Expect Josh Naylor to play a pivotal role as the Guardians lean on their strong bullpen to carry them through the later innings.
